* The latest PMI figure was the lowest in four months and signalled a deterioration in operating conditions in Hong Kong's private sector as output and new orders declined.

* The PMI averaged 50.2 in the three months to September, slightly better than the 49.8 registered in the three months to June.

* Output contracted in September and the index was at its lowest level since November 2011.

* The volume of new orders received by private sector companies in Hong Kong fell in September, and new orders from mainland China also declined. Total new orders fell to the greatest extent since November 2011, although the rate of contraction was marginal overall.

* Input costs faced by private sector companies increased in September, with purchase prices and salary bills rising at faster rates than in August. The rate of input price inflation was moderate and the strongest in five months.

* Input inventories rose, although the rate of stock accumulation was slightly weaker than the 17-month high recorded in August.

"Wage growth, however, picked up at the strongest pace in four months, driven not only by inflation but also genuine business demand. This suggests that job market capacity remains tight, helping to underpin private consumption's role as a key growth driver for the economy," Kwok added.

About the Hong Kong PMI:

The data is collected by Britain-based Markit Group Ltd, and the report is sponsored by HSBC